REI used gear: how Re/Supply works and why it's worth it

REI's used gear program is now Re/Supply, members-only, and better than ever. Here's how buying and trading in works.

Updated October 2026: REI's used gear program is now called Re/Supply and works differently than it used to. This guide reflects how it works today.

Some of the best value at REI isn't on the sale rack. It's in REI Re/Supply, the Co-op's used gear program, where inspected, pre-loved gear typically costs 30% to 60% less than new.

One big change from the early days: Re/Supply is now an REI member benefit. You'll need the one-time $30 REI Co-op membership to shop used gear and to trade in your own, and in my experience the used gear access alone pays that back fast.

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What is REI Re/Supply?

Re/Supply is REI's trade-in and resale program, the evolution of what used to be called REI Used Gear online and the legendary in-store garage sales.

It works in both directions. Members can buy used gear online and in Re/Supply sections at REI stores, and members can trade in their own gently used gear for an REI gift card.

Everything sold has been inspected and given a condition rating, which is what sets the price. A lot of it is barely-used returns, so "used" often means someone wore it once and brought it back.

How buying REI used gear works

Shop used gear online year-round, or browse the Re/Supply section in your local REI store.

A few things I've learned from years of shopping it:

Condition ratings are honest. Each listing describes wear accurately, and the price scales with condition. Lightly used items in excellent shape sit at the smaller discounts, well-worn gear gets the deep cuts.
It's the best way to buy last season's version. When a shoe or jacket you love gets updated, the outgoing version lands here at a fraction of retail.
Big-ticket categories shine. Tents, packs, sleep systems and apparel are where the 30% to 60% savings feel biggest.
Some things never show up. Safety-critical gear like helmets and climbing protection isn't resold, so buy those new.
Stock moves fast. Listings are one-offs, so if your size appears at a good price, don't sleep on it.

Used gear is sold as is, and it carries its own return policy that's more limited than REI's standard satisfaction guarantee, so check the current terms on the listing before you buy.

How REI trade-ins work

This is the half of Re/Supply most people miss: REI will give you a gift card for gear you're no longer using.

What you get: an REI gift card worth 10% to 40% of the item's original price, spendable in stores, on rei.com, at REI Outlet, or on more used gear.
In store: bring your gear in, and if you accept the quote you get an electronic gift card on the spot.
By mail: ship up to five items at a time with REI's label for a flat shipping and handling fee, and the gift card arrives by email within about 7 to 10 business days of your gear reaching the warehouse.
What qualifies: gently used gear under six years old that matches REI's trade-in catalog, clean and fully functional, with no rips, odors, or missing parts (shoes need their insoles, tents need every pole and stake). Gear bought elsewhere qualifies too, as long as REI carried that exact item.
What doesn't: helmets, safety gear, electronics, altered items, and Co-op Cycles kids' bikes over three years old.

My tip: do a gear cull in early November. The gift card lands in time for holiday shopping, and I put mine toward picks from my best REI gifts guide.

Time it with a sale and the gift card goes even further: here's what's in the REI Holiday Sale right now.

What happened to REI garage sales?

The in-store garage sales (chaotic, beloved, members fighting over tent footprints at 7am) were folded into Re/Supply. Instead of waiting for a quarterly event, members now get year-round access to the same returned and traded-in gear, online and in store.

You lose a little of the treasure-hunt drama, but you gain the ability to search by size and category from your sofa, which I'll take.

Is REI used gear worth it?

For members, absolutely. Between the 30% to 60% discounts, the trade-in credit for gear gathering dust, and the fact that buying used is the most sustainable way to gear up, Re/Supply is one of the strongest arguments for joining.

I've broken down everything the one-time $30 gets you in my REI membership benefits guide.

If you're already a member, it pairs perfectly with your annual reward.

I covered how to spend REI Member Rewards on gear you'll actually use, and the same logic applies here: used gear for the categories where condition barely matters, full price where the 10% back accrues.

REI used gear FAQs

Do you need an REI membership to buy used gear?

Yes. Re/Supply is a member benefit, both for buying used gear and trading in your own. Membership is a one-time $30 and lasts a lifetime, and the full list of member benefits goes well beyond used gear.

How much does REI pay for trade-ins?

An REI gift card worth 10% to 40% of the item's original price, depending on condition and demand. In-store trade-ins pay out instantly; mail-in takes about 7 to 10 business days after your gear arrives.

Can you return REI used gear?

Used gear is sold as is and has its own return policy, which is more limited than REI's standard guarantee on new gear. Check the current policy on the listing before buying.

Are REI garage sales still a thing?

Not as standalone events. They were rolled into Re/Supply, which gives members year-round access to used gear online and in stores instead of occasional in-store sales.

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